§ Q14. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister what is his policy regarding the appointment of Ministers who have been dismissed or resigned from the present or past Governments to positions on statutory boards.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the policy of this Government to appoint the best people who are available to public boards.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will state the Government's policy regarding political patronage and the appointment of ex-Ministers to State-paid appointments other than statutory boards; and what is the policy in regard to appointments at ambassadorial level and other situations usually filled by career diplomats and career civil servants.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar Question by him earlier today. The policy of this Government to appoint the best qualified person available in the light of all circumstances prevailing at the time applies equally to other state-paid appointments both inside and outside the Civil Service.